Significado
A polite way to express a wish or request something.
Contexto cultural
The 'Bonjour' rule is absolute. If you say 'Je voudrais' without saying 'Bonjour' first, you may be ignored or treated coldly. Politeness is a two-step process. In Quebec, 'Je voudrais' is common, but 'Je vais prendre' is very frequent in casual dining. Quebecers are often seen as more direct but still value 'S'il vous plaît'. In Francophone Africa, politeness often involves more elaborate greetings before getting to 'Je voudrais'. Asking about someone's health or family is common before making a request. Usage is very similar to France, but you might hear 'S'il vous plaît' used at the beginning of a sentence more often than in Paris.
The Magic Trio
Always use 'Bonjour' + 'Je voudrais' + 'S'il vous plaît'. This trio will make you the most popular foreigner in any French shop.
The Silent S
Don't pronounce the 's' at the end of 'voudrais'. It's there for grammar, not for sound!
Significado
A polite way to express a wish or request something.
The Magic Trio
Always use 'Bonjour' + 'Je voudrais' + 'S'il vous plaît'. This trio will make you the most popular foreigner in any French shop.
The Silent S
Don't pronounce the 's' at the end of 'voudrais'. It's there for grammar, not for sound!
Softening Questions
Use 'Je voudrais savoir...' (I would like to know...) before asking a question to a stranger. It's much more polite than just asking the question directly.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to order a croissant politely.
Bonjour ! Je ________ {un|m} croissant, s'il vous plaît.
'Voudrais' is the correct polite form for ordering.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a job interview?
You want to say you'd like to work in a team.
'Je voudrais' shows respect and professional distance.
Fill in the missing line in this restaurant dialogue.
Serveur: Bonjour, vous avez choisi ? Client: Oui, ________ {un|m} steak-frites.
Standard polite ordering phrase.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Phrase: 'Je voudrais m'excuser.'
'M'excuser' means to apologize.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Politeness Levels
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosBonjour ! Je ________ {un|m} croissant, s'il vous plaît.
'Voudrais' is the correct polite form for ordering.
You want to say you'd like to work in a team.
'Je voudrais' shows respect and professional distance.
Serveur: Bonjour, vous avez choisi ? Client: Oui, ________ {un|m} steak-frites.
Standard polite ordering phrase.
Phrase: 'Je voudrais m'excuser.'
'M'excuser' means to apologize.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasYes, it can be. With close friends, 'Je veux bien' or 'Tu peux me donner...' is more natural.
Yes! You can say 'Il voudrait' (He would like) or 'Elle voudrait' (She would like).
'Je voudrais' is for requests and orders. 'J'aimerais' is more about personal taste and long-term dreams.
For A1, just memorize 'Je voudrais'. As you progress, you'll learn 'Tu voudrais', 'Il voudrait', etc.
You can! 'Un café, s'il vous plaît' is perfectly fine. 'Je voudrais' just makes it a full, elegant sentence.
Frases relacionadas
J'aimerais
synonymI would like/love
Je souhaiterais
specialized formI would wish/desire
Je veux
contrastI want
Je vais prendre
similarI am going to take
Je désirerais
synonymI would desire
